Decision put off on alcohol sales at proposed Phoenix Circle K

Zoning hearing officercites information need

Residents will have to continue to wait to see whether the city will allow a proposed downtown Phoenix gas station to sell alcohol.

After a three-hour meeting last week, zoning adjustment hearing officer Michael Widener said he needs more information.

About 80 people attended the Thursday hearing at Phoenix City Hall. The majority of speakers protested the proposal to grant Circle K a liquor license, fearing it will bring more crime and traffic issues to the area.

Tempe-based Circle K wants to build the gas station on the southeastern corner of Seventh and Roosevelt streets.

Widener said he should make the decision within the next 30 days.

He questioned whether the Garfield Historic District is the place for a 16-pump gas station.

"Does this enable an auto-centric culture in a neighborhood that is gamely trying to become a pedestrian and bicycle-oriented culture?" Widener repeated after a speaker made a similar comment.

Many residents protested Circle K altogether. Residents expressed concerns about the gas station's impact on the environment, public safety and existing small businesses.

"Things are not going well with Circle K," said downtown Phoenix resident Matt Seaman. "They're the worst property owner in our neighborhood."

Circle K has a four-pump station on the northeastern corner of the intersection that it wants to close and lease to another business.

"That site has become a problem in terms of traffic," said David Cisiewski, the attorney representing Circle K. "We're trying to remedy that corner with the new project."

The company originally wanted to sell hard liquor at the new location, but changed its plans to sell only beer and wine after residents protested.

"We still remain concerned about the traffic, but we will remain neutral" on the alcohol issue, said Dana Johnson, president of Garfield Organization, a neighborhood non-profit group.

Other residents appeared more hopeful after Circle K adjusted its plans.

"I've been impressed with how Circle K has heard us," said Raleigh Dombek, a downtown Phoenix resident. "Currently I don't patronize Circle K, because it is unsafe. With the new proposed store, I believe it will offer safety."

The new store will have at least 14 cameras and lighting and design that will deter crime, officials said.

But opponents said traffic, loitering, cleanliness and safety have been long unaddressed issues at the existing Circle K, residents said. Allowing the mega-chain to open a larger location would be "rewarding bad behavior," they said.

Jeremy Stapleton, who lives near a 16-pump Circle K at 11th Street and Indian School Road, said the new Circle Ks are no better than the old one.

"It in no way has helped my property values or the desirability of buying or investing in my neighborhood," he said. It's been a complete detriment."